Dependent of Disabled or Deceased

VA Chapter 35

 

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance is an education benefit for eligible spouses and children of certain veterans.  Eligible persons can receive up to 45 months of full-time or equivalent benefits to assist with the cost for:

• College, business, technical, or vocational courses; High School Diploma or GED; Independent Study or Distance Learning Courses
• Correspondence Courses (spouses only); Apprenticeship/On-the-Job Training
• Remedial, Deficiency, and Refresher Training (in some instances)
• The cost of tests for licenses or certifications needed to get, keep, or advance in a job

Requirements to Receive

To be eligible for Survivors' & Dependents' Education Assistance (VA Chapter 35) you must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

• A veteran who died, or is permanently and totally disabled, as the result of a service-connected disability.  The disability must be the result of active service in the Armed Forces
• A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence
• A service member missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force
• A service member forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power
• A service member hospitalized or receiving outpatient care for a VA determined service-connected permanent and total disability may be eligible for VA Chapter 35 benefits (Effective 12/23/2006)

Steps to Receive Benefits

Students must repeat steps 5 & 6 every semester to receive VA Chapter 35 Benefits

1. Call (318) 487-5743 to apply for benefits
2. If transferring from another institution - Complete the Change Place of Training Form
3. Meet with your LSUA Academic Advisor
4. Register for Classes as a full-time student (12 hours during Fall & Spring; 6 hours during a Summer)
5. Complete LSUA's VA Certification Data Form
6. If eligible for the Louisiana Title 29 Tuition Exemption:
   • If never applied, call (318) 487-5743 and speak with a counselor about applying
   • Bring an original copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to LSUA Financial Aid Office
   • Eligible students are exempt from paying tuition and school-imposed fees. Student-imposed fees are not exempt. This fee can be found HERE under the label "Mandatory fees". 
   • Meet and Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress each semester
     • Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA at the end of each semester
     • Earn 67% of hours attempted each semester
     • Have not cumulatively attempted more than 150% of the hours required to complete your current, primary degree programStudents must enroll full time to receive benefits
   • Students must enroll full time to receive benefits